The Path to Pastoral Care

This book is for men who are aspiring to become pastors. I say «men» because the Bible says so (1 Tim. 2:12). And I mean primarily those who desire to serve a local church on a full-time basis as the lead preacher of that church. Not all churches can afford to pay a pastor; some churches can afford to pay more than one. And, of course, there are many different areas—missions, student evangelism, counseling, book writing, and more—that can be considered full-time Christian ministry. The further your goal is from full-time pastor-preacher ministry, the less relevant this book will be. But if you want to be a senior pastor, you’ve found what you need.
«I have a strong, firm, deep-seated desire to devote myself completely to the ministry of a pastor.» Those who speak in this way are doing their best to put into words their strong, sober, meaningful feeling. I understand your feelings and sympathize with your efforts. However, I am convinced that the phrase «calling to ministry» takes the conversation in the wrong direction… I want to persuade you to abandon that phrase and replace it with the word «aspiration»… Instead of saying «I am called to ministry,» say, «I aspire to be a pastor.».

Content
Introduction 9
Acknowledgements 13

Part 1. Finding the Way
1 Say «I desire,» not «I am called» 17
2 Strive humbly 31
3 Seek Wisdom 37
4 Make the biblical requirements your compass 47

Part 2. Walking the path
5 Learn to Pastor from Faithful Pastors and Healthy Churches 61
6 Start showing example 65
7 Serve before you become a minister 71
8 Do you want to be a leader? Then lead something 79
9 Master and be mastered by the Scriptures 85
10 Take advantage of every opportunity available to you to teach 91
11 Be prepared 95
12 Learn the Craft of Preaching 99
13 Read all your life 107
14 Dedicate Yourself to Prayer 113
15 Block Pornography 119
16 Marry wisely 123
17 Dedicate your life to your wife 127
18 Be a Pastor to Your Children 131
19 Study God’s Plan for the Church 135
20 Serve Not for Show 141
21 If possible, use seminary to its full potential 145
22 See your challenges as opportunities 153
23 Filter 159

Part 3. Approaching the destination
24 Kill and resurrect ambition 167
25 Remember Whom You Serve 173
26 Be honest and forthright in the process of being selected for pastoral ministry 181
27 Cherish Christ 187